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International Security (POLS90022)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
August
Overview
Availability | August |
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This subject provides students with a critical understanding of the changing concepts and practices of security in a globalised and dynamic world. The subject contrasts traditional state-centric, military based, and external-oriented national security thinking and policy with non-traditional, critical, and human security approaches. The subject explores key relationships between: the state, society and security, including in 'failed states'; international intervention and security, including the 'responsibility to protect' doctrine; weapons and security, including nuclear weapons; and considers the particular insecurities of marginalised groups, such as forcibly displaced populations. The subject then explores globalised forms of insecurity including information and cyber threats, transnational terrorism and organised crime, global health pandemics, and the nexus between climate change, natural resources, and conflict.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Have a political, historical and cultural understanding of both traditional and non-traditional sources of insecurity;
- Be able to evaluate national, regional, and international institutional responses to transnational security threats;
- have strengthened skills in critically analysing different security discourses, including through the 'securitisation' process;
- develop skills in analysing and evaluating contemporary security policy, and preparing policy briefings.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should:
- Apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
- Develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
- Communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively;
- Develop cross-cultural understanding.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Entry into the Master of International Relations (MIR)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A 1500 word essay (30%) due during the intensive teaching period.
- Presentation and written summary, equivalent to 1000 words (20%), throughout the intensive teaching period.
- A 2,500 word research essay (50%), due during the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- August
Principal coordinator Anita Lacey Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 contact hours: 1-hour lecture & 2-hour seminar Weeks 5-12 of Semester Teaching period 20 August 2018 to 19 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 31 August 2018 Census date 7 September 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 19 October 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 August contact information
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Required readings will be available electronically via the subject's LMS site prior to the start of the teaching period.
- Subject notes
This subject is a core component of the Master of International Relations.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of International Relations Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of International Relations - Links to additional information
Last updated: 3 November 2022